First there was Beta, then VHS, and now DVDs and Blu-rays. Technology moves at the speed of light and keeping up takes some effort. But transferring and duplicating your old videos onto a DVD can be fairly simple. Knowing a little before you start will go a long way.

DVD - This is an acronym which stands for Digital Video Disk. It is like a CD in that it holds a large amount of data and is understood by an optical reader. A typical DVD can hold about 4 to 7 gigabytes of information, or about 3 or 4 hours of video. When converting your old videos and film to DVD, you'll need proper equipment such as a dual DVD/VHS machine which will have a section in its instructions on how to duplicate your tape onto the DVD. Some computers allow a separate device to be plugged in and record your tape or video right onto your computer or DVD-R. The "R" stands for "recordable" and it is important that whichever equipment you use, you purchase a DVD-R or DVD-RW to convert you video into data.

Format - This is both a noun and a verb. As a noun your computer's software will ask you "in what format" you wish to use to transfer film or video. As a verb, your computer will ask you "to format" the disk enabling it to receive the right data.

Blu-Ray - This is the latest version of digital, optical playback. These discs, the size of a DVD, hold a larger archive capacity, but are not intended for data, necessarily. Many software makers, movie distributors and video-game makers are using the Blu-Ray technology to distribute their material. Currently, converting your old tapes onto a Blu-ray is not cost effective, but give it time!

Imagine watching a VHS movie of your loved ones decades later. The sound and images are still as crisp as the day you recorded it, and this is possible because of digital duplicating and restoration. Experts take your photos, audio files and home movies and enhance them. They record the new file on CD, DVD or Blu-ray discs. You end up with an enhanced movie that captures the memories of your friends and family. Video tape duplicating and transferring services provide you with discs that capture amazing memories.
The VHS format stopped being produced by movie distributors in 2006. Even blank tapes are hard to find. While VHS brought movies to the home, the film eventually degrades over time. The shorter recording length made it necessary to record on multiple VHS units. DVD and CD formats prove to be longer lasting and of higher quality. Blu-Ray discs offer enhanced graphics making them the best possible format for recordings. Many people want to convert their home libraries and archives on these popular media formats. Duplication and transfer service completes this task for you. You end up with gorgeous films and photos that will last decades.
While it's possible to do these conversions yourself, it's unlikely you have the best tools for the job. Rewritable disc drives need laser etching tools to print custom labels. High quality audio equipment creates musical soundtracks without any feedback or ambient sounds. Software used to improve color and refine images is expensive, but you are able to convert one format to another, edit the data and copy the file as often as you need. You can also make copies for friends and family. If you hire a company to do this for you, you'll save money. Find these services in specialty video stores near you.